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Flu deaths: 53 children died from flu this season; some anti-viral drugs, flu test in short supply

Posted February 5, 2018 at 10:36 AM

In this Jan. 10, 2017 image, Donnie Cardenas recovers from the flu at the Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018. The San Diego County resident said he was battling a heavy cough for days before a spike his temperature sent him into the emergency room. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)(Gregory Bull)

The number of pediatric flu-related deaths since October has topped 50, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Fifty-three pediatric deaths have been attributed to the flu during the 2017-2018 season, with 17 deaths nationwide reported in the last week. Not included in that figure is Aaron Masterson, a 12-year-old Huntsville Middle School student who passed away from the flu Sunday.

Flu widespread in 48 states

According to the CDC, influenza is widespread in 48 states, a drop of one state from the previous week with Oregon joining Hawaii in reporting lower activity levels.

"Our latest tracking data indicate that flu activity is still high and widespread across most of the nation and increasing overall," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, acting CDC director. "So far this year, the cumulative rate of hospitalizations is the highest since we've been tracking in this way, which goes back to 2010. This is a very difficult season."

The CDC also reported an increase in the percentage of patients who visited healthcare providers complaining of flu symptoms, up to 7.1 percent from 6.5 percent the previous week.

And there still may be more to come, the CDC is warning.

"We have not hit our peak yet, unfortunately," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said. "Really, the bottom line is, there is still likely many more weeks to go."

CDC officials said flu activity has been elevated for nine consecutive weeks this season. The average duration of flu season is around 16 weeks, with the longest being 20 weeks, meaning most areas of the country could only be about halfway through the influenza outbreak.

Shortages?

Increasing concerns are reports some antiviral medications, as well as flu tests, are in short supply.

"We are...hearing from some health care providers that there are spot shortages of some antivirals used to treat the flu and flu tests; however, at this time, there is no nationwide shortage of these products. The FDA is carefully monitoring the situation and we will provide updates as needed," Gottlieb said.

What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness?

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

Being unable to eat

Has trouble breathing

Has no tears when crying

Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough